IA to DE Moving Specialists

Iowa to Delaware Moving Guide

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Updated June 11, 2025

Planning a 1,081 mile interstate move from Iowa to Delaware? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Delaware across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Slippery Dumplings), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs colonial, beach), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Delaware), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Iowa Chop (Pork), but get your taste buds ready for Slippery Dumplings & Broiled Chicken
  • Delaware housing costs are 80% more expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in Delaware is 71.30% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Moving from Iowa to Delaware will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Iowa to Delaware movers is Adamantine Spine Moving
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Top Iowa to Delaware Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Iowa to Delaware movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
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Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Iowa to Delaware

9.54/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
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Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
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Best Move Inc

9.25/10
Exceptional

Iowa to Delaware Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Delaware

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited coastlines
  • Less population diversity
ProsDelaware iconDelaware
  • Milder climate
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Greater cultural variety

Delaware iconDelaware
  • Higher expenses
  • Denser urban areas
  • Fast-paced life
Iowa iconIowa
  • Low cost of living
  • Wide open spaces
  • Friendly communities

Pros of moving from Iowa to Delaware

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited coastlines and moving to Delaware with beautiful beaches
  • Swap the less population diversity of Iowa for greater cultural variety in Delaware

Cons of moving from Iowa to Delaware

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Iowa to live with higher expenses in Delaware
  • You'll lose out on the pro of wide open spaces and have to settle for the con of denser urban areas
  • Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to the fast-paced life in Delaware

Iowa vs. Delaware: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaDelaware
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichSlippery Dumplings
Most popular meat dishIowa Chop (Pork)Broiled Chicken
Most popular street food itemGrilled CornCrab Cake Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodVegan Corn DogsVegan Crab Cakes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Iowa Chop House
  • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
  • The Ronneburg Restaurant
  • Cook's Seafood
  • Harry's Savoy Grill
  • Big Fish Grill
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Iowa to Delaware, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Slippery Dumplings of Delaware. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork) and sumptuous Grilled Corn, Delaware residents know they have tasty Broiled Chicken and Crab Cake Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Corn Dogs they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Crab Cakes of Delaware. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Iowa Chop House, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and The Ronneburg Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Delaware, don't wait too long before making your way to Delaware's acclaimed eateries like Cook's Seafood, Harry's Savoy Grill, and Big Fish Grill.

When comparing lifestyles, Delaware shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Iowa. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Delaware compared to what you are used to in Iowa. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Delaware.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Delaware

ComparisonIowaDelaware
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchColonial, Beach
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, quiet neighborhoodsProximity to beaches, modern amenities
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Beach architecture typical of Delaware.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Delaware real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and modern amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Delaware is more walkable than Iowa.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Delaware is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
  • Delaware has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • Delaware housing costs are 80% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $385,745 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Delaware have increased by 42% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
  • Rent in Delaware is 71.30% more expensive than in Iowa.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Iowa and Delaware

ComparisonIowaDelaware
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, Severe StormsHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 14Β°F45Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)36"45"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)35"20"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Delaware. Delaware gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
  • Delaware has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware.
  • The average summer high temperature in Delaware is 3 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
  • The average winter lows in Delaware are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Delaware. Delaware receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Delaware

ComparisonIowaDelaware
Avg. Household Income$69,588$82,174
Cost of Living Index95.9102.45
State Income Tax4.46.6
Avg. Property Tax1.50.6
Avg. Sales Tax6.00
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceLegal, Banking, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Delaware tend to earn about 18% more than in Iowa
  • The COLI in Delaware is 7% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • The state income tax in DE is 6.6 compared to 4.4 in IA
  • The affluence in Delaware is high compared to moderate in Iowa
  • The poverty level is moderate in Delaware compared to low in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Delaware

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Delaware

ComparisonIowaDelaware
Political Make-upMixed; leans slightly conservativeMostly liberal
Local PoliticsRural areas lean conservative, urban areas more liberalLiberal, especially in urban areas like Wilmington and Dover
ReligionChristian majority, diverse religious communities in urban areasChristian majority, with growing diversity in faith practices
  • Iowa tends to lean mixed and leans slightly conservative in its political climate
  • Delaware, on the other hand, is often described as mostly liberal
  • Delaware's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with growing diversity in faith practices
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority and diverse religious communities in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Delaware

ComparisonIowaDelaware
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa City
Iowa State University
Ames
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
University of Delaware
Newark
Wilmington University
New Castle
Delaware State University
Dover
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWillowwind School
Iowa City
Harrison Elementary School
Cedar Rapids
Gilbert Elementary School
Gilbert
North Star Elementary School
Hockessin
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Wilmington
Losurdo STEM Academy
Dover
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmes Middle School
Ames
Northwest Junior High
Coralville
Waukee Middle School
Waukee
Tatnall School
Wilmington
Sanford School
Hockessin
Brandywine Springs School
Wilmington
Top 3 High SchoolsIowa City West High School
Iowa City
Ames High School
Ames
Waukee High School
Waukee
Charter School of Wilmington
Wilmington
Cape Henlopen High School
Lewes
Appoquinimink High School
Middletown
Top 3 private high schoolsRegina High School
Iowa City
Dowling Catholic High School
West Des Moines
Des Moines Christian School
Urbandale
Salesianum School
Wilmington
Tower Hill School
Wilmington
St. Mark's High School
Wilmington
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsIowa City Regina
Iowa City
Des Moines Christian School
Urbandale
Valley Lutheran School
Cedar Falls
Tatnall School
Wilmington
Sanford School
Hockessin
Tower Hill School
Wilmington
Top 3 School DistrictsIowa City Community School District
Iowa City
Ames Community School District
Ames
Waukee Community School District
Waukee
Red Clay Consolidated School District
Wilmington
Cape Henlopen School District
Lewes
Appoquinimink School District
Middletown

How Much Do Iowa to Delaware Movers Cost?

Moving 1,081 miles from Iowa to Delaware will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Hemmen Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,815300 ft3$6.05
1 Bedroom$2,700450 ft3$6.00
2 Bedrooms$4,463750 ft3$5.95
3 Bedrooms$6,4911100 ft3$5.90
4 Bedrooms$9,3621600 ft3$5.85
5+ Bedrooms$10,4421800 ft3$5.80
Top Iowa to Delaware Routes

Des Moines to Delaware